When JP II came to D.C. in 1979 I was not a practicing Catholic.  A colleague drove us down to K Street and we settled in the park to wait.  Not a multitude of people.  But when I saw him coming down the street, looking so young and vigorous, he touched me deeply.  I cheered and cried. I then began a journey back to the Faith of my youth.  I pray for renewed conversion every day.

my son had to do a history fair project themed tragedy to triumph he choose the life of JP II. He had several personal tragedies in his youth and then the start of WW II.where many of his friends became revolutionaries, while others were relocated (concentration camps)and disappeared. Being at a personal crossroads, he was told that prayer was the most powerful weapon, and choose to be come a priest. It was as if the hand of God was moving an molding his life- fantastic. He could have been very successful in the world, intelligent, talent, well liked, and a beautiful girlfriend who was heart broken he had chosen God. So the power of prayer became central to me, besides all the great things he was able to accomplish at the Vatican and the world.

His dying was a gift and renewal for me. Let me explain.

About 15 years earlier I had left another Christian denomination known for it’s male hierarchy.

I left very disillused and deeply disappointed. I felt deceived and duped by those who would always profess the love and devotion to God.

I ended up turning my back on God and walked away. I became at the very least agnostic in my views if not borderline atheistic. So I chucked it all out the window. Religious organizations and God.

I am a hard core news freak. So with Pope John Paul’s death I normally was going to tune into not only the coverage of people praying for him in St Peter’s Square as he lay dying, but also the ensuing funeral.

I was profoundly touched by watching the throngs of people praying for him as he lay dying. Of, in a sense, helping him make this final journey.

Even more so I would be touched by the millions who would gather, peacefully, civilly and out of respect in the next days. Remember, at that time the world was just 2 1/2 years out from 9-11; two wars were raging in Iraq and Afghanistan; the hightened sense of terrorism still forfront of many minds.

And this miracle was taking place. The world was gathering to say good-bye to this man. This man of God. This man who did his best to be an authentic disciple of Christ.

My heart was softened. My heart was seeing a man, who although was indeed in position of great ecclesial importance, still did his best to be a humble servent and disciple of Christ.

After many years of hardness, his death would be the beginning of my healing. To this day, I thank God for the gift of this man.

Years ago I was fortunate to be at a Wednesday audience in the square.  We were seated quite close to the Pope and when our group name was called we stood, PJP looked directly at us and gave us a forefinger-thumb salute.  I made direct eye contact with him and to this day I remember the joy and warmth that it brought to me. A moment never to be forgotten.

My mother loved Pope JP II and had a beautiful statue of him from the Franklin Mint that she cherished.  When she entered the nursing home, I brought this statue with her.  Through her years of suffering with Alzheimers & Parkinsons, I prayed - offering this suffering for her sins.  When she died, I was preparing pictures to put in her casket and included this statue she so loved. As I was packing it, memories of her love for Pope JP II just overwhelmed me and I prayed to his spirit in heaven that he would intercede and pray for my mother to be with Jesus.  The statue’s painted eyes began to sparkle and I had this overwhelming feeling of love and peace.  It only lasted for about 20 seconds, but I know this was the gift of an answered prayer from our Precious Jesus.

My greatest memory of Pope John Paul II was back in 2000, when he went to Israel. When he went to the Holocaust museum—Yad Vashem—a Holocaust survivor told everyone present that Pope John Paul had saved her life, after her escape from Aushwitz.

I will probably be the only one to have a rather negative comment, but here goes…

As a convert from fervent, conservative protestantism, much of what happened under JPII’s pontificate was a hindrance to my conversion.  The liturgical abuses that became so common, his comments that pointed to a universal view of salvation (in sharp contrast to the historical teaching of the church) and other things in that vein were very difficult for me to overcome.  Once I understood certain doctrinal differences, everything that stopped me stemmed from things that were done or said during his time as pope!

I certainly have no ill will toward our late pope, but I also do not have the strong affection so many others do.  I am thankful for the good that occurred during his time but I am more thankful (personally) for Pope Benedict and the “reform of the reform” that is occuring under his reign.  It gives me hope for the Church and a return to the “old time religion” that I read of in the patristic writings and, particularly, around the time of the protestant revolt.  It is that fervent proclamation of the truth, without reservation, that brought me out of staunc Calvinism and into the Catholic Church.

John Paul II first visited the United States and said Mass in Saint Mathew’s Cathedral in Washington D.C. on October 6th, 1979- the day I was born. Over 25 years later while living in Washington D.C. working on my MTS at the John Paul II Institute I found myself in ST. Mathew’s Cathedral praying and mourning in front of a statue of JPII on April 2nd, 2005 - the day the good pontiff died. His life and teachings have impacted my life and my formation in countless ways. In just a few weeks I will give birth to my second son who, God willing, will be baptized on May 1st- the beatification of John Paul the Great and Divine Mercy Sunday and will be named Charles Joseph “Charlie” after Karol Josef Wojtyla.

In the year of 1976, a sorrowful life of grief brought me closer to God.  Sadly, I took the long hard way around searching for Him.  I realize today that I could have known God so much sooner through ALL of the teachings of Pope John Paul II’s theology of the body and Rev. Brian Bransfield’s, “The Human Person: According to John Paul II.”  Had I only opened my eyes sooner?

Over many years, my life has completely turned around and many of my cries have been answered.  But, it wasn’t until 3 decades later did I SEE the cause of those blessings that can be accounted for and understood as easily as in John Paul’s teaching.’ It’s as though my life (that has longed passed by) is NOW hearing Our Lord’s message ‘explained precisely’ through every word of John Paul’s writing today. It is truly a miracle that His words continue to reach, teach, and will lead the way for us forever- more. 

I am ever so grateful to witness the historic beatification, led by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square on EWTN.  I pray for strength, patience, and sacred wisdom to live by his perseverance to the Lord’s command, “Be perfect, as your heavenly father is perfect.”

Thank you so very much.

Truly,
Catherine Nagle

In 1979 I worked in the media department of the Philadelphia Archdiocese and was charged with wrangling the press photographers for JPII’s visit to our city.  I was a rebellious feminist, horribly sinful and arrogant at the time.  In a receiving line to greet the Pope the monsignors and bishops in the line next to me crashed to their knees to kiss John Paul’s Papal ring.  Alone of all in the line, I refused to kneel or otherwise acknowledge the Holy Father except for a cold handshake.  To this day, the memory of John Paul II’s face is crystal clear.  He was deep in prayer even as he greeted us.  The Rosary was in his hands.  The impression was one of the deepest humility.  He touched my hands and moved on.  Had I but acknowledged then what I know now.  This I know for sure:  Karol Wojtyla enjoys the Beatific Vision and prays for us sinners remaining on the earth.  Even me.

I was in high school at the beginning of JP II’s pontificate. In the year 2000, I was blessed to lead a group from my church to World Youth Day in Rome. Again, in 2003 I was blessed to lead a group to World Youth Day in Toronto. Young people can see holiness faster than adults. JP II only had to drive by in his white popemobile and the young people cried. They could tell that he was authentic. By 2003, you could barely understand a word that he said because of his sickness. Yet, the teens knew that he loved them. JP II we love you. JP II we love you. He would say “I love you more”. He was a great example to me of someone who gave everything to God. Every last ounce of energy and life. God gave it right back to him and more. “Do not be afraid”. If only more Catholics would live our lives with this motto, we would change the world.

I always loved John Paul II but since I have become a revert, I do a lot of spiritual reading and go into many Catholic websites.  I have read rather disturbing things that he did - kissing the Koran, among others. A lot of bad stuff happened under his watch. I think he was very popular and that’s the reason he is being canonized.  I don’t understand the rush. Shouldn’t there be more miracles?  It took years for Padre Pio, a truly holy man, to be canonized. I’m with Jennifer on this.  I like Pope Benedict a lot more because he doesn’t care about his popularlity and the fact the media hates him makes me love him more.  He is trying to clean up the mess left by Pope John Paul II.

I have a tale of two experiences.
I saw JPII for Easter Mass about two years before he passed.  He passed close to my group of college friends on his way out of Mass.  He was in motorized car.  He looked weary and tired, but there was a kind of light around him, as if his body couldn’t contain the light he carried and was too weak to sustain it much longer.
After he passed, my family got some remembrance cards with a younger picture and a prayer.  There was one in my fiancee’s car, which I was driving to work on my twenty-third birthday.  It was in November in Wisconsin, and a freak blizzard blew up.  I was going 65 on the freeway when my car hit an icy patch and went into a skid, which became a roll.  My car rolled across the median and landed, driver’s side down, in the middle of on-coming traffic, demolishing several yards of guardrail on the way over.  I walked away from the accident, shaken but whole.  When my dad went to see if anything had been left behind, he found on of the cards, in perfect condition.  He kept it.  To this day, my father believes that John Paul is the reason I’m still alive.

Loved him.  My then-boyfriend obtained 2 tickets to his 1979 mass in Yankee stadium. After the final blessing, as the Popemobile left the stadium, Bill turned to me and proposed. No soft music and candlelight but what an amazing setting for a proposal. Already awash in emotion from seeing the Pope, what else could I do but accept? Our 31st anniversary is next month.

I used to meet Pope John Paul II about 4 or 5 times a year - he was always kind and gentle and shone with goodness.  I hope to be able to help as many people as possible coming over here to Rome for the beatification - may the whole event be full of joy and happiness.

I’m a life long Catholic and at 67 years of age I’ve seen a few Popes.  But JPII to me was the clear leader of the world in morality, theology etc.  He had a charisma that effected me greatly but his Theology of the Body is the teaching which I feel in time will change the world.  He was briliantly able to connect our sexuality with God, the Trinity and make all of life about proper relationships.  I do believe he will have a positive affect on the world and Catholicism for centuries to come.  His writings are very deep for me and all with average intelligence but the rewards of being persistant in reading him and reading those who have studied him and can explain his teachings are well worth the effort.  My only regret is that I’ve neglected Benedict XVI’s writings which I believe are also brilliant.  Two giants of our faith in one lifetime is almost to much to handle.  Thank you lord for JPII and his successor!

I am catholic and part polish and I have to say that never before had I been so proud of my polish heritage as when Carol Wotyla became pope. Truly a great man for his intellectual capacities,his fervent holiness and his overflowing love for God and all of humanity.

I ,along with my sister and my husband , were among many chosen from local parishes to be papal ushers during the Mass @ St Louis MO in 1999.
I will never forget it.His ‘Gospel of Life’ and his staunch support for the right to life…....his presence. I miss him.

I come late to post my comment on this Post. Why??  I have been busy spreading the Message of the Eucharistic Apostolate of the Divine Mercy Devotion to our Parishes in the Rural areas of Kenya.  I have briefly read the comments from you, good people.  But to me, the greatest contribution John Paul II gave to mankind was to ensure the request of Jesus Christ, way back in March, 1931, to a lowly Polish Nun that a Feast of the Divine Mercy be established in the Universal Church was instituted by this very holy Servant of God. In the Messages Christ dictated about the Divine Mercy Devotion to Saint Faustina and recorded in her Diary - “Divine Mercy in My Soul”, Pope John Paul II grew up with them, was a dedicated Devotee of the Divine Mercy Devotion and true to Christ’s words, he was to become “the spark” from Poland who would fulfill His desire to give mankind the Annual Day of Atonement by the establishment of this Feast of Divine Mercy on the 1st Sunday After Easter.  The Vessel Jesus gave us through which all believers would obtain Graces, was the Image of the Divine Mercy - once again in 1931 - when Jesus appeared to St. Faustina requested this Image - just as He appeared standing before her - be painted with the Signature “Jesus I Trust in You”. His poignant words were: “Mankind will never have peace until the souls turn to my Divine Mercy”.  This holy Pope died on the Vigil of the Feast of Divine Mercy and he is to be beatified on the Feast of Divine Mercy.  May all who read this message and have not yet heard of this Devotion, access it and observe this year’s Feast as Jesus dictated.  That is: 1) Pray the Novena Prayers He dictated, starting on Good Friday 2) pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet which - once again, like the Our Lord’s Prayer - Jesus dictated to Saint Faustina, 3) go for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this Period, 4) attend the Holy Mass on the Feast Day and receive Holy Communion and 5) venerate the Image of Divine Mercy.  The mind boggling promise from Jesus to those who celebrate this Feast as He requested is that: “All your sins and punishment thereof, will be forgiven and your soul will be restored to the condition it it was in, on the day you were baptized”.  This is the greatest Merciful Gift from Jesus Christ Himself to mankind and which this Holy Pope instituted for the Universal Church in the Year 2000 when he also Canonized Saint Faustina as our first Saint of the third Millennium. Of all the great achievements this holy Pope accomplished for God for mankind and Christ Holy Church during his life and Pontificate, to me, this is the greatest of them all. To fulfill Christ’s Gift to us during these times of great tribulations, confusion and uncertainties in the world. God bless you all

The very precious personal encounter I had with this Holy Servant of God and Vicar of Christ, was when I was chosen to be one of the 3 attendants at the temporary Papal Sacristy of the “Church”- erected at Uhuru Park in the Capital Nairobi,during his final visit in Kenya. I was also in-charge of the floral arrangements around the Altar and the Sanctuary.  At the start of the Holy Mass, as he left the Sacristy to climb the steep Stairs to the Altar - which a few minutes earlier I had swept clean after all the Concelebrants had taken their Seats at the Sanctuary - he blessed my Rosary.  Later at the end of the evening Holy Mass at the Resurrection Gardens, I was blessed to greet him with both hands.  The aura of holiness around him - first at that 1st Mass in the Uhuru Park, and at the evening Resurrection Gardens Holy Mass - was palpable.  When I held both his hands, an electrifying feeling ran throughout my body.  That a poor widow who would never, ever - in her lifetime - see the Holy Father from the Papa window in the Vatican - was destined by God’s Grace to minister to this holy Servant of God with refreshments before the first Holy Mass and later, shake his hands in my own country, is a Grace-filled memory I shall cherish all my life.  And my family was further blessed in that the Holy Father exchanged his Rosary at the Resurrection Gardens, with that of my niece, with whom during their earlier communications through letters for quite some time, they had made this promise.  The Rosary is now a Relic at the Opus Dei Kenyan Mother House here in Kenya

I too encountered John Paul ll in a personal way when he came to visit Brisbane, Australia in 1986. My husband was an RCIA candidate and had special seating arrangements so I sat with a friend in a quieter open area. I really didn’t want to go as I had an awful attitude about the Church at that time. When he passed by in the Popemobie, he looked right at me in the fourth row and I felt the Holy Spirit touch me and tears came to my eyes. When I returned home, I was totally changed by this experience and I wrote a poem about the event entitled “I Watched Him Go By”. I knew at that moment that he was a man of God. And so it was…

Remember, “John Paul II, he loves YOU.!!!!” It was during the youth rallies!!

My husband and I took our two boys to WYD in Toronto.  A friend of ours was involved in planning a Vocation Presentation and she asked us to be a part of it.  We were able to be on stage with Pope JPII just metres away.  It was an incredible experience of a lifetime.

I was born and was baptized in JP2 papacy, but my catholic faith was not in the right track, so I didn’t know anything about JP2 that time. even when he died, i think i didn’t even care to the news. Then, I really have my catholic faith several years later and I learn about the theology of the body(TOB) which has changed my life. I am really grateful about the insight of TOB and start applying that in my life. I really thank to JP2 who reminded us about the truth of the body which concluded in TOB. And a glance of regret comes. I wish I understand my Catholic faith earlier, so that I could have opportunity to be in the Catholic Church under the papacy of JP2.
thanks

m0n
www.m0njc.wordpress.com

After leaving the Church in my early twenties, (1982) I joined the Evangelical Church. By 1996, I became disillusioned with the protestant church and began to question “once saved, always saved” theology.  I drifted and went to church less and less.  I moved my family to a new city as I took a promotion in my job.  I did not find a church to attend and left it at that.  In 2004, I had several life altering changes in my life that brought me to my knees, including the end of an almost 25-year marriage. I was devastated and in deep Depression.  Obviously, I knew God and knew he was the only one I could turn to.  In my agony, I prayed for help, and often felt even disserted by God.  At the same time, I often read or heard about John Paul II and his health problems.  This once vibrant young man was now a fragile and almost crippled man, suffering the aches and pains of his near end of Life.  I remember watching him in a weekly audience one day in a new article.  He was addressing the crowd and all of sudden he was wrecked with pain… My heart stopped!  I held my breath.  He came back to the window once the attack was over and continued his address.  I was overwhelmed and overcome… I could do nothing but weep.  I to was experiencing a lot of pan, and mental anguish as well.  Yet here was this elderly man, always pushing forward to do the will of God in his life, and me… I was on the couch watching him… having a pity party all by myself as I suffered from a back injury.  It was at that time I began recover myself.  I was so inspired by John Paul II that I decided NO MORE pity parties!  If he can do it… so can I.  My life has not been the same sense then.  I wanted to have the kind of relationship he had.  The Love and joy he had even with so much adversity.  I felt so close to him even though I had never met him, nor would I ever have a chance to.
In 2005 when he became more seriously ill, I could not stop praying for him.  I remember seeing the MILLIONs of people holding vigil at the Vatican, for him to get better.  Then as you know, all of Rome and the world were shaken!  John Paul II passed from this life into the next.  I remember crying as if I had lost one of my own brothers.  I lost a good friend.  However, I was committed to not letting go of him completely.  I began reading, searching for truth.  I prayed repeatedly, asking God to help me and show me where to go and what to do.  I started reading History that lead me to History of the Catholic Church.  I was introduced to the ‘Didache’ and other instrumental documents of the early Church.  I read of Ignatius, Aquinas, St. Catherine, Christissom, and so many of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church.  Finally, a day came when I knew I would have to go and talk to a priest.  I had once VOWED never to return to the Catholic Church and I found myself at the Doors of St. Mary’s Cathedral, and at the doors of the confessional.  Scared to death, I walked in and my life has changed forever!  Now, although I still struggle with pain and depression, I am Home Again in the Catholic Church.  I was welcomed back with the Love of Christ and Open Arms.  My life will never be the same, thanks to John Paul II.  I have said it once and I will say it again.  “THANK YOU GOD, for the blessing who is John Paul the Great who will live on in the hearts and minds of your people!”  I look forward to the day when we will ALL call him St. John Paul THE GREAT!

And I say thank You, God,for the return of your prodigal son, Bill. Now, I hope the person who was sarcastic of my comment that our One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, is the Universal Hospital for sinners will be humbled by Bill’s journey back home and the peace of mind he has regained, now that he has come back home, received by Jesus Himself in the Confessional, and is being nursed back to total Spiritual Health.  Bill, I say again for you.  Thank You Jesus.  May all your children who have drifted away into the wilderness - hungry, aching, bewildered and feeding pigs - come back home.  You are eagerly waiting for them by the Roadside to embrace them and lead them lovingly to Your Father’s House. Happy Easter, Bill.

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